What is the Plantation Duty Act of 1673?

The Plantation Duty Act of 1673 was a British law that imposed a duty on goods produced in colonial plantations, primarily sugar and tobacco, to raise revenue for the Crown. It aimed to regulate colonial trade and ensure that the colonies contributed financially to the English treasury. The act was part of the broader mercantilist policies of the time, which sought to control colonial economies for the benefit of the mother country. Ultimately, it contributed to tensions between the colonies and Britain, setting the stage for future conflicts.